下記に英語を学ぶことの大切なポイントが書かれています。
When I was a student, I asked Japanese English teachers about three sentences.
1. I want him to repair my radio. [OK]
2. I want my radio repaired. [OK]
3. I want my radio to be repaired. [wrong]
They said Example 3 was wrong, but they could not explain how or why.
We were not sure how to reply. All three of the sentences could be
correct, depending on the context. The first two sentences seem as if
they would be more commonly used.
However, all three sentences feel rather abrupt. If I were to bring my
radio to be repaired, I would express myself a little differently.
4. I would like my radio repaired.
Example 4 feels better. Examples 1, 2, and 3 sound harsh. In particular,
Example 3 seems to imply that there was some trouble. Was the person
refused service? Did the repair place say they could not do it? Or, more
likely, did they fail to repair it? Or has the person been waiting a
long time? We don't know.
We do know two things:
Sentences do not exist in a vacuum. They exist in context. The context is important. It gives meaning.
A number of students of English in Japan seem to enjoy grammar studies
and to appreciate discussing grammar points. That is why we have so much
grammar discussion at our site. Note, however, that most of it is in
English. Therefore, while you are reading this page, you are learning
more than just grammar. You are receiving our communication in English.
We would be less excited if the explanation were taking place in
Japanese. Then, the explanation might help your academic knowledge of
English, but it would not help you get much better at English.
Think of playing the piano. Do you get better by listening to lectures or by practicing?
